The Minnesota Vikings could be heading for a special kind of quarterback hell if they are unable to extend Kirk Cousins by noon on Monday. The Vikings are reportedly considering adding two former first-round busts at quarterback for the New York Jets.
Justin Fields and Trey Lance are in the mix
The Vikings have been linked to Chicago Bears quarterback Justin Fields and Dallas Cowboys quarterback Trey Lance within the last week. But a couple of new candidates have emerged in the quarterback market for Minnesota.
The Minnesota Vikings could trade for Zach Wilson
Per Zach Rosenblatt with The Athletic, the Vikings want Baker Mayfield. But the team might have to settle with trading for Zach Wilson and signing Sam Darnold to have both compete in training camp for the starting job in the upcoming season:
Let’s get wild. If the Vikings lose Cousins, their top target will be Mayfield. But if Mayfield doesn’t hit free agency, Minnesota might try to take a flier on a young option with some upside. Darnold has never been in particularly winning situations as a starter but no one has ever questioned his arm talent. After a year in Kyle Shanahan’s system, he might be ready for another shot at starting — though it’s possible Justin Jefferson (desiring a new contract) would not be thrilled with this arrangement.
In 2021, some with the Jets wanted to keep Darnold and draft Wilson and now the Vikings have the chance to play out that dream. Wilson is on his way out in New York but in the right environment, with the right coaching, he still has the talent to, at worst, be a high-end backup. Minnesota is a good fit.
Wilson and Darnold’s scenario was supposed to be a wild prediction, but the prediction has some wings.
Two New York Jets busts with the Minnesota Vikings?
Per Darren Wolfson with KTSP, the Vikings are interested in Darnold and Wilson. The Vikings are seriously considering Darnold, and the team has done “some homework” on Wilson.
The Jets selected Daronald with the No. 3 pick in the 2018 NFL Draft. After not working out in New York, the Jets chose Wilson with the No. 2 pick in the 2021 NFL Draft. Now, both busts could be trying to resurrect their careers in Minnesota.
How is Justin Jefferson going to feel about that?
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